All Persons Involved in Production and Trade of Agricultural Goods Must Register with ABIS

The amended Agricultural Produce Act (APA) now requires all individuals involved in the production, trade, and distribution of agricultural goods to register with the Agricultural Business Information System (ABIS).

This expanded registration requirement forms a core part of the Government’s strategy to combat praedial larceny and enhance the overall management of Jamaica’s agricultural sector.

ABIS, developed in 2005 by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Unit, has become the backbone of farmer registration and agricultural data management. Registration not only fulfils a legal obligation but also grants access to several important benefits.

Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, RADA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Garnet Edmondson, underscored the critical role that ABIS plays in Jamaica’s fight against praedial larceny.

He noted that while registration previously applied mainly to farmers, the amended APA will require a wider group of stakeholders, including dealers, transporters, and retailers, to register by April 2026.

Mr. Edmonson also shared that work is under way to introduce a dealer’s licence system, which will legitimise the operations of agricultural buyers and sellers, improve traceability, and help them access key services such as banking.

“Beyond registration, ABIS provides valuable market information, connects buyers and sellers, and supports national agricultural planning and analysis. Being registered opens access to government incentives, such as duty concessions on farm vehicles and tax waivers on approved production inputs,” Mr. Edmondson said.

The ABIS database also facilitates accurate verification of disaster relief claims, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and fairly.

To date, more than 250,000 farmers have registered, creating a comprehensive repository of personal and business information across the agricultural sector.

The establishment of the Agricultural Protection Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in 2025 also represents a targeted response to the long-standing threat of praedial larceny. This specialised branch has intensified enforcement efforts islandwide to protect the livelihood of farmers.

The JCF is collaborating closely with RADA, through ABIS, to streamline the receipt system for transporting agricultural goods. This partnership ensures that farmers are registered, and that produce being moved can be verified through legitimate documentation.

Currently, registered farmers use official Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) receipt books, which along with their RADA‑issued identification (ID) card, serves as proof of ownership and the lawful origin of goods.

Law enforcement recognises these documents and uses them to verify agricultural transactions.

“If our praedial larceny team stops a vendor enroute, the receipt and ID confirm where the produce was sourced, who sold it, and where it is being transported,” Mr. Edmondson explained. He pointed out that a national effort is required to tackle praedial larceny, as the theft of agricultural produce and livestock continues to significantly impact Jamaican farmers. “It is not just theft; it is an economic crime that undermines confidence, market stability, and national food security,” Mr. Edmondson stated.

The CEO stressed that policing alone cannot solve the issue. Instead, it requires partnership across the value chain, including farmers, vendors, supermarkets, meat shops, and consumers.

“You must ensure that you know where your produce is coming from, particularly animal produce,” he urged.

The CEO said strengthening collaboration among the JCF, the Ministry of Agriculture, and farming communities is essential to restoring agriculture as a central pillar of Jamaica’s economy.

“This is about securing livelihoods, building a stronger economy, and ensuring Jamaica can feed itself sufficiently,” he said.

Farmers who are not yet registered are encouraged to visit their local RADA parish office or seek assistance from the extension officers. Once registered, they are issued an official RADA identification card.

Beyond enhancing security, the RADA ID provides practical benefits, including discounts at farm supply stores and access to life insurance coverage. Importantly, subsistence farmers cultivating as little as a quarter acre are also eligible. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority is Jamaica’s chief agricultural extension and rural development agency.